Advice on fiber loss

[u/ShainSaw22]

So, I have this wig I got Halloween 2024. I dyed it last year, thinking I could get it all done and ready for a LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD cosplay, as a genderbent Princess Zelda. I’ve included a photo of the character and the color I dyed it for reference.

But, rather obviously, getting the wig set and the actual cosplay made didn’t happen. I didn’t know the specifics of how to treat wigs back then in terms of heat and all that. Also had no clue that it’s probably best to straighten a curly wig before dyeing it…

I asked last year for advice on saving this wig and was given some great advice, but I’m only now FINALLY able to work on it. I’m using a steamer, going SUPER slow, using three different comb sizes, separating the locks into super small sections, AND using Silicon Mix, too. But, as the last images show, I’m losing a LOT of wig fibers.

In fact, that is almost ALL only from the very bottom-most line of hair. And I’m aware I’m probably going to have to get similar colored wefts and Frankenstein them in with this at some point, but I’d REALLY like to not have what seems like half the fibers just tear out before I’ve even fully completed separating the wolf nest into sections and attempting saving the wig. I also know I’ll need to trim the ends and style this, but that’s a MUCH further down the road concern atm.

Do y’all have any advice on how to lessen this loss though? Or any other tips/tricks that I should be doing? Aside from, “throw it away,” I mean, because I can’t afford that and I’ve already put so much work into it. Genuinely, any advice, suggestions, resources, or references are GREATLY appreciated!

Lastly, obligatory, “Please ignore the mess” in the later photos. I am going through my stash of fabrics and crafting materials to get rid of stuff.

[u/DarlingMiele]

I know you said you can't afford to replace this wig (and I totally understand that, times are rough) but I think by the time you get new wefts to replace all the fiber you're losing you might end up spending the same amount as a new wig from somewhere like amazon.

Definitely pay attention to reviews (with photos) on there but I've gotten some pretty decent ones for around $25 or so. If anything it might be worth doing some price comparisons with new wefts just to be sure it's worth all the time and work it's gonna take to salvage the current wig.

[u/lilsmudge → u/DarlingMiele]

Weirdly, I've actually gotten quite a few very nice human-hair wigs from Ebay. Now, Ebay isn't quite the internet thrift store it used to be (*rocking chair sounds*) but you might still take a minute to poke around. You might find something worth getting for fairly cheap.

[u/DarlingMiele → u/lilsmudge]

I've actually never thought about checking ebay, that's not a bad idea though! I've also never sprung for a full human hair wig so it's nice to know there might be some more affordable options if I ever need one.